Against abuse of power at music academies, Unisono calls for comprehensive education, transparency and prevention

The German Music and Orchestra Association (unisono)calls for comprehensive education, transparency, and prevention of sexualized violence and abuse of power at German music academies. This call comes in response to a recent scientific study published on April 18 by the University of Music and Performing Arts Munich.

“It cannot be emphasized enough that the Munich University of Music is now addressing the challenges following the distressing abuse scandals of recent years and is striving to overcome them with a seven-point plan,” says unisono Managing Director Gerald Mertens. “Music students need intensive, personal support and fair assessment of their performance by their teachers. They find themselves in structural dependencies that can foster abuse of power. Temporary lecturers can also be affected by this. A university of music must be a safe and inspiring place of learning and teaching for students and teachers, free from fear, discrimination, and abuse of power.”